Of all the gadgets I looked at last year, iGarden’s Swim Jet was probably the biggest surprise. It looked like a lot of effort, so I did not really want to review it. I don’t have a pool, and when the Swim Jet arrived, it scared me a bit.
A device that lets you swim laps in your backyard pool, the Swim Jet is imposing at first glance.
I took this box to my friend Bernard’s pool, which required two of us to lift it. Then, it sat there for three weeks untouched! We were trying to avoid this contraption, which, in theory, had to be screwed into the pool deck of his pool. That was unlikely to happen.
Setting up the Swim Jet
Initially, I was a bit daunted by the prospect of installing the Swim Jet, but in the end, it was a pretty simple process.
Attaching to a spare large, heavy, and thick paving tile (also requiring two people to lift) left over from the pool surrounds has been an ideal solution, as it makes the unit very flexible in terms of its position.
The heavy-duty metal frame, once attached to that tile, required no further fasteners, as the arm that descends into the pool, like an outboard motor, has rubber pads that push against the vertical wall. A separate AC-to-DC transformer is mounted some metres away and subsequently plugs into a power point. We then turn the jet on, and an internal propeller sucks water from its sides and jets water forward. This jet of water can then be used to swim against.
The Swim Jet comes with a rechargeable remote control, making it really easy to operate from the pool and letting you change the settings without dragging yourself out.
From an aesthetic perspective, the Swim Jet has sleek styling, and the really large-format number display on the transformer’s screen is great for viewing from a distance to understand which power setting the jet is set to. Given the unit’s significant water movement, it is quite compact and surprisingly quiet.
Beyond controlling the jet via the transformer interface and the water-resistant remote, the iGarden app can also control it. Realistically, you would only use the remote.
Swimming laps in the backyard
In Bernard’s words: “The jet stream, even in our relatively small pool, is fantastic, and the graduated settings, starting at 20 and increasing in increments of 20 to 100, offer a great variety of potential uses and accommodate individuals with varying swimming strengths. For example, 60 is the perfect distance for me to swim freestyle, while my daughter’s fiancé, who used to be a squad swimmer, gets a really good workout at 100. I turn it down to 40 for my breaststroke swim.”
“The time settings are really easy to set; I generally switch it on and set it to the right strength, and it is really simple to use.”
“I was an aqua aerobics instructor in my youth, and the unit is great for a whole lot of resistance workouts, even at lower speed settings. I’ve also used it for just running against the stream, and it provides a really good workout.”
“At the higher speed settings, because it is in a relatively small pool, it does create a really fun whirlpool effect, great for just floating around the pool.”
“I have a solar system installed, and since we tend to use the Swim Jet during the day, I haven’t had any concerns about energy use, so guilt-free exercise and fun!”
“Even simply standing in front of the Swim Jet gives a really good massage on the upper back and neck.”
“Overall, this is a great new addition to our pool. Adding swimming, resistance exercise, walking and running makes the pool even more useful. It is also great for just floating around in the whirlpool.”
How much does it cost?
What Bernard did not say was that he used to use a bungee cord tied to his waist to do the same, and although cheaper, he felt it did not compare to how effective this resistance swimming solution is.
The Swim Jet P is not only great for adult exercise but also brings a whole new dimension to kids’ fun. I would, however, always supervise children near a pool and ensure they do not get close to the Jet. In saying that, they would have to be a pretty good swimmer to get close.
The Swim Jet is available from Waterco, with pricing starting from approximately $4,500.
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